books.google.ca - Capitalism, Socialism and Democracy remains one of the greatest works of social theory written this century. When it first appeared the New English Weekly predicted that `for the next five to ten years it will cetainly remain a work with which no one who professes any degree of information on sociology...https://books.google.ca/books/about/Capitalism_Socialism_and_Democracy.html?id=UFWS5hAbUuEC&utm_source=gb-gplus-shareCapitalism, Socialism and Democracy

Capitalism, Socialism and Democracy

Capitalism, Socialism and Democracy remains one of the greatest works of social theory written this century. When it first appeared the New English Weekly predicted that `for the next five to ten years it will cetainly remain a work with which no one who professes any degree of information on sociology or economics can afford to be unacquainted.' Fifty years on, this prediction seems a little understated.

Why has the work endured so well? Schumpeter's contention that the seeds of capitalism's decline were internal, and his equal and opposite hostility to centralist socialism have perplexed, engaged and infuriated readers since the book's publication. By refusing to become an advocate for either position Schumpeter was able both to make his own great and original contribution and to clear the way for a more balanced consideration of the most important social movements of his and our time.

LibraryThing Review

User Review - thcson - LibraryThing

This is one strange book. It's in part a great work by a first rate mind brimming with wise insights in economics, political theory, history and sociology. But other parts of the book made me shake my ...Read full review

LibraryThing Review

User Review - rcsj - LibraryThing

An important work, even now. Schumpeter describes all of the strengths of Capitalism, but also subjects it to careful criticism. That which makes Capitalism so effective - creative destruction - could also be the source of its own demise.Read full review